Deftera Mirage Posts

The only possible places to find Elizabeth were two from the ground floor. One was the lobby where anyone could relax in – with all the luxurious sofas – while the other was the shopping section.

Aramus went to the lobby. There were many sitting and lounging across the place. He noted a few he knew from his own class, and notified them about the signal. However, he couldn’t find Elizabeth anywhere. When he asked if they saw Elizabeth, he was told that she had never came here earlier.

He then went to the shopping section, which was massive. He checked the cooking appliance section first, since that was where he saw her going last, but then she had also joined him in the pool later. She was likely done with that section, but it wouldn’t hurt to look, he thought.

As he thought, there were only older women in the section. However, when he went to the opposite direction – there she was – the golden locks allowed him to recognise the one he was searching for. She was purchasing an item on the counter.

Aramus took a look around before approaching Elizabeth, taking in the appliances and if there were any suspicious individuals. Not that there should be any in the appliances section. “Elizabeth.” He called out, walking to her side.

The woman who turned toward him was indeed the Elizabeth he knew, and not someone else with blonde hair. “Ah, teacher. You almost surprised me,” she said, seemingly startled.

“Almost, almost.” He gave her a smile but it was really time they left. What was she buying anyway?

Elizabeth received the package that was her purchase from the shop clerk. “Are you here to buy anything?”

“Nope, here to get you. We’ve been ordered to move out, there’s been some trouble,” he commented. As much as he wanted to to continue chatting, they had more important things to do.

“Alright.” Elizabeth nodded, noting a possible situation at hand. “I am done here. Let us be off.” The two then left the shop. “Exactly what happened?” She asked as they walked.

“We’ve been compromised. The Duchess believes we have overstayed our welcome here,” Aramus said curtly, eyes peeled. “There might be some of them in the crowd.”

“Sounds troublesome indeed, best be done with this first, then,” Elizabeth said. she seemed serious, yet she smiled.

“It is trouble, which is why I’m here with you,” Aramus returned the smile. “Will you be carrying that with you or dropping it off somewhere first?”

“No,” Elizabeth shook her head, handing Aramus the package. “This is a present for you, teacher.”

Aramus took the polybag and unwrapped the box inside of it, somewhat hurriedly and impatiently since they were literally on the rush hour about now.

What seemed to be inside was… a wallet?

“Remember that day when you lost your money due to the hole in there? I thought that maybe you could use a new one about now. It wasn’t too expensive, so don’t sweat the details, teacher.”

Gingerly taking the wallet out from the box, Aramus’s expression softened as he rubbed a finger across its surface. “Thank you Elizabeth, you don’t know how much this means to me.”

“Perhaps I do, or perhaps I don’t, but don’t let it have a hole again if what you speak is true,” Elizabeth said. “You don’t want to lose any more money, especially for Almond’s sake.”

He chuckled as they traveled, thinking of the young boy who was no doubt still trying to read the books he had set aside. “It’s not like I wanted it to have a hole.”

(BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JAXfUKb30k)

“I suppose love can come at any time. Pardon my asking, how did you meet him?” Aramus asked, with tea in hand now, and in proper attire.

“In the celebration party after I defeated Sagittarius’ host,” the Duchess answered, sipping her tea, now clad in the outfit she wore when Aramus first met her – it shined magnificently under the bright lights inside the hotel. They simply relocated to the dining area and ordered for tea. Admittedly, the Duchess approved of the tea and its quality, the aroma had already convinced her before she even took the first sip from the beverage.

Aramus’ face dropped at the mention of a party. He knew there was no invite with his name on it.

“He was courting someone everyone thought was †˜out of his reach,’” the Duchess snickered as she begun speaking of her encounter. “He was so very nervous – I remember it even now, the face he made – it makes me smile, even now. It was his first time courting a lady too, it seemed. Apparently, he saw me fight from behind, but I didn’t really know since I hadn’t the time to even note that reinforcements had arrived to aid me in combat. This husband-to-be of mine claimed that it was love at first sight for him.” The Duchess shrugged, looking back at the words he spoke long ago. “He is a very responsible man, and somewhat too uptight about certain things, if anything. Kind of like Elizabeth, I suppose.”

“You haven’t seen the side of her that hates to lose then? She can be hard to handle when that happens,” Aramus replied, taking a sip from his tea cup.

“...That is a trait I suppose she inherited from me – her own mother – admittedly, I saw it everyday when she’d lose to me. She used to challenge me to a duel when she was young,” the Duchess said, chuckling, as if being reminded of fond memories. Fond memories of defeating her daughter over and over again…

“Still, she is giving her all.” Picking up a sugar cube, Aramus dropped it into his tea. Three sugar cubes yet it wasn’t sweet enough for him. “I can’t wait for that to happen when I start my lessons,” he said, already imagining what it’d be like.

“It’ll be rewarding, I assure you,” the Duchess replied, smiling. “It is a good sight to see her trying her hardest.”

“Evidently, I must take her seriously if she is to improve. Your daughter might come home with a few scrapes and bruises,” Aramus said in response, a smile on his face.

“I would hope not!” the Duchess said. “My daughter was invited to the Queen’s Meeting, we wouldn’t want her to look bad there. I assume the Queen has invited you as well?” she asked, raising an eyebrow inquisitively.

“You are correct. I don’t look forward to these events, but it’s what comes with the job.” Even the Duchess was asking him about it now. “Will you be in attendance as well, Duchess?”

“Well, yes, I would be there,” the Duchess answered. “Why’d you not like them? The food is great there, it is a pity that I have to limit my intake to preserve my beauty nowadays,” and so the Duchess said something no other gentlewoman of London would say, much less a noble woman.

“It’s not that I don’t like them. Good food, good place, what’s not to like? It’s the people there which puts me off. Are you sure you haven’t heard of my reputation? It’s related to things like cockroach and pond scum,” Aramus said with a roll of his eyes. “And you most definitely do not need to worry about appearances, Duchess.”

“Really? I have to say, I am rather uninformed about gossips and people’s charades,” the Duchess said uncaringly. Rumours were hardly heard even when her high-class friends of London would talk about them. The words of those ladies simply entered one ear, and left through the other. “So no, I haven’t quite heard of it, all I’ve learned is that you were a commoner who was selected to become a Magic Magister. What is this about cockroach and pond scum?” She then noted the other statement Aramus made, and gave a frown. “I can never stop worrying, I can’t tell what men think. They are simpletons at times, but I fear they have much deeper concerns for appearance… ”

“That I’m practically one of the things perpetually stuck under people’s boots…” Aramus sunk his face into his hands. The Duchess was more out of it than he thought. “The majority of the Magi do not take too kindly to being appointed as Magister. Even before that, this stigma has forced me into picking up a government job. No one else would take me. I’m surprised you didn’t know, all things considered.” Frankly, it tired him to have to keep coming back to this topic.

“I was mostly on break for some time now, that might’ve been the reason. I don’t quite partake much in gossips either,” the Duchess answered, solemn. “I didn’t think you’d be taken this way, however. But I suppose it is a common story; nobles not appreciating those attempting to climb the stairs and joining into their †˜especial ranks’.”

“I suppose I try to stick my head out of social issues, or well, I used to. All I find now are people trying to be on my good side,” she sighed. It was a little irritating having to deal with too many people sometimes. “What worries me about these parties are those trying to court my daughter… she doesn’t take anyone up when invited to the dancing floor, at all.”

“She did mention that when we were talking about the meeting, that it was a problem for her to have so many suitors. I couldn’t care less about all these social events but your reputation does precede you, Duchess.” Recalling what Elizabeth had told him, Aramus thought for a moment about the upcoming meet. “As for me, I’ll need to find a place where I can stay out of sight yet still be able to eat what’s on offer. It won’t be easy.”

“She did? I am rather envious of you now, Mister Valmark,” the Duchess began, as if facing a dilemma. “She seems to speak her heart more to her teacher than her mother. I am hurt,” she stated, apparently thinking deeply, her forehead knitted into a frown yet again.

“Well, you’re gonna have to search hard, then. They invite literally every officially approved Organizations to at least send one member. So, I doubt it’d be easy. The venue is large, and the amount of people surpasses it still,” she stated, already convinced that people would see and likely voice their distaste on sight towards Aramus. As if putting that matter aside, she inquired: “By the way, why not take the plane with us when we head back to London? I will be inviting my daughter, and Mister Takeru too.”

“As they say, school is your second home. I try to endear myself to the students, but not many have taken me up on that, Elizabeth being one of the few.” It was hard to imagine how someone like him would try to be as friendly as possible with students.

“I will take you up on that offer Duchess, it will be my pleasure.” The very thought of going back to England on his money meant that his meals would be limited to rice balls or even worse, going hungry. There was also Almond to worry about in his absence. “It’s going to be another long meeting if I can’t make myself scarce, and without food to boot.”

“Well, I’ll admit that you successfully got yourself endeared with one student,” the Duchess sighed. “Good, now all that is left is dealing with the Headmistress. It will be hard to convince her to come with us,” she added. “I hope I won’t have to bribe her just so I can cover her flight expenses and bring her to the meeting.”

“Just let her pay for herself,” Aramus said, trying hard but failing to conceal his smile. “She’s more than capable. Besides, it’s decree from the Queen. You can’t exactly refuse that.”

“...I wish, but she can refuse it,” the Duchess replied, looking down at her tea with dismay. “She is one of the honoured guests, but she’d rather fiddle her fingers with those… strange devices on her hand from Tokyo.”

Aramus blinked at the Duchess blearily, at a loss for words. “S-she can!? Why can’t I then!? Oh and those are mighty convenient. I’ll teach you if there’s time afterwards!”

“I am, uhm, attending my daughter’s †˜lessons’ for those devices, or so she calls them,” the Duchess said, somewhat unsure of the ordeal herself. “Oh, yes, yes the Headmistress may refuse. As a neutral member she is able to refuse. Since the Magic Academies are considered neutral. In your case, however, you are a Magic Magister, who was granted title by the Queen… you may decline, but I think people will loathe your gall ever more for doing it,” she said, chuckling at the last part as she spoke. “They want Magic Magisters there mostly so that they can beat the people in their debates, especially the ones wanting to impose bans on certain magics.”

“As if I wasn’t loathed enough by everybody as it is. That little bit more won’t change anything, Duchess.” It was true that it couldn’t get much worse for Aramus. Debating wasn’t his thing either. “Alas, I’m a burden in a debate. I’m mostly there for decoration if you ask me. I’m too simple for all that hogwash.” He groused, silently grumbling about how the Headmistress could weasel her way out of this and he was stuck attending.

“At least you get free food,” the Duchess laughed it off, returning to her old point after the good things of the party. “It isn’t something commoners get everyday. The Queen hires the best of the chefs the country has to offer.”

“And that is the reason why I put up with these!” Aramus replied cheerily, pointing at the Duchess to accentuate it. “Food! A scarce commodity all year round for me!”

“Oho, the stomach of a man is as pitless as they claim indeed,” the Duchess said, apparently impressed. “Perhaps we should have a trial of food. A contest to determine who may consume the most.”

“Oh, indeed we should. That sounds like something right up my alley but… are you sure you can keep up, Duchess? I thought there was something about… that’s right, watching your intake?” Aramus snickered, eyeing up his potential competition.

“I… erm, yes, I shall fight this fat away! It is nothing to a warrior!” the Duchess roared, almost catching the attention of others enjoying their food. “Hoho, just you watch. They don’t call me the Devourer for nothing back from where I come from, lad.”

“Then it’s time to put that title on the line, Devourer.” He set the teacup down, looking at the Duchess in the eyes properly. “When it comes to food, you can’t beat me. I treat my food the same way I treat those precious to me, like my life depends on it!”

“We’ll see about that, young man. I shall put that spirit of yours to the test,” the Duchess said, accepting the challenge, placing down her tea too. Both her eyes blazed with flames of determination.

Aramus’s eyes burned like miniature suns with the way this was going. “Very well. Don’t die Duchess, we have a score to settle. Something so important a mere Time Warrior won’t stop us.” To think that someone would challenge him to an eating contest, and the Duchess herself no less. This was going to be interesting.

“Bring it on. Don’t you dare loosen the grasp on your soul either,” the Duchess returned the remark with an eloquent touch of her own. “Time Warriors be damned in the face of our ultimate showdown.”

“Hah, well said Duchess. I think we should adjourn for now, our… fighting spirit should be saved for another time,” Aramus remarked, draining the last of his tea. “I hope Elizabeth is alright. She’s going to love our duel.” He added with a hearty chuckle.

“She will likely inspect our table manners, haha!” the Duchess said, laughing again, finishing her cup of tea.

“Oh right, those. I don’t need those in something like this. They’re in the way,” Aramus said with a tilt of his head. “Ah… but your daughter has been teaching me etiquette, so I will humor her for it.”

“I suppose I am used to the standards and manners, so I will win with grace. You are free to not use them; consider it a handicap,” the Duchess said, snickering, which stopped as soon as she heard about the teaching of etiquette bit. “She teaches you that?”

“Y-yes, that she does. Something about my commoner upbringing being insufficient. And it’s not a handicap! If you’ll do it then it’s only fair that I should as well.” Aramus looked at her quizzically. Was it something he said?

“Huhu, no, no, I insist that you keep it that way,” the Duchess said with a grin, but soon narrowed her eyes. “In what manner does she teach, and where?”

Aramus gulped. His instincts were telling him to flee and preserve himself but as a Magister, he would uphold everything he stood for. “Well… It kind of happens in her room over a simple meal, just which cutlery to use for which dish. That’s all, Duchess. Really.” His collar felt mighty tight, even if it was unbuttoned.

“Oh? That’s all? Really?” The Duchess’ eyes narrowed even further, staring at Aramus inquisitively. “Is that really all there is to it?”

“Yes, that’s all!” Raising both arms in defense, he tried to avoid her scrutinizing gaze. “I wouldn’t do anything improper of my station, both as a teacher and a Magister!” Elizabeth definitely made it hard to, but that was best left unsaid, especially without consent or approval.

“Well, if Elizabeth insists, then I have nothing to say, I shall allow you to attend these lessons,” the Duchess sighed, resting her gaze on her empty tea cup, she soon had an attendant pour more into it. “I can imagine her worrying about your position, which is why she is helping you in the first place.”

“That’s the main reason. It’s surprising how she can remain so steadfast even with everything going on around her,” Aramus replied, still keeping his arms raised. “Something about preserving whatever reputation I have left as a Magister.”

“I had figured that out already,” the Duchess replied. “It is just how she is, I suppose,” she added. “A little too caring for others. That is one of her good graces. Should anyone try to take advantage of her, though…”

Aramus almost thought that the cup she held would crack and shatter there and then due to how the hand twitched. Moreover, the crimson gaze that lay behind the cup made him shudder even more.

Flinching slightly, Aramus pulled upon his collar. “I’ll be there to make sure nothing happens. Don’t worry, Duchess.”

“So, how many did you kill?” the Duchess asked, making Aramus confused. Was she speaking of his kill count? Before he pondered for an answer, he noticed that the Duchess wasn’t looking at him, but to the right.

Aramus turned to the right to find Takeru standing.

“Twenty-eight,” Takeru answered. “They weren’t really strong individually, but as a team they were efficient,” he added informatively.

“I see. You need to be more discreet; you reek of blood,” the Duchess responded, drinking her tea. It seemed like she noticed Takeru from the scent of blood, instead of listening to his silent footsteps as he approached the two and stood beside them.

When Aramus looked at Takeru, he couldn’t see a single drop of blood on him, nor did his black suit seem to be wet.

“Let loose some of that steam then?” Aramus said with a tilt of his head.

“I let out enough. Either way, it just means that this place isn’t safe anymore,” Takeru replied, sighing, sitting beside the two. He felt sluggish. “For now, I can hide it all with magic… aside from a few exceptions like our Duchess here.”

“No wonder you look squeaky clean. Can that spell hide holes in my robes?” Genuinely curious, Aramus questioned Takeru with great interest. Maybe he wouldn’t have to run around looking bankrupt anymore with this.

“No, I’m afraid it can’t,” Takeru said, showing a grin. “I had someone from our team dry my clothes of blood. It is a simple spell for Aquam users.”

Aramus grumbled, muttering about how nothing seemed to work for him. “So, you said there were twenty-eight? Was that all of them?”

“Well, many people uses Perdo Corpus or Perdo Mentem to make themselves appear more presentable,” Takeru advised, attempting to cheer up a fellow teacher. “Ah, it should be all of them, for now, perhaps. I walked around the hotel to confirm, but there may be a few of them who had snuck in.”

“It’d be in our best interests to take leave soon,” the Duchess suggested. “The fact that they know this location is troublesome enough.” She didn’t think they’d locate them in here so soon, despite the way they attempted to blend with the crowd via magic and other means. Those working with the government were not meant to be underestimated.

“We’d better go then.” Agreeing, Aramus looked to the two for directions.

The Duchess nodded, finishing her tea. “I am going to give the signal, and we’ll shortly check out and take our leave.”

“I’ll keep a look out for enemies,” Takeru said, getting off the chair, as much as he’d like a cup of tea and to relax; he needed to be vigilant.

“Mister Valmark, can you find my daughter in the meantime, please? If she is not in her room; she may not notice the signal.”

Aramus nodded before taking off. Takeru had taken care of quite a number but knowing what was at stake, there were bound to be more.

(BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JAXfUKb30k)

Aramus was in the pool. With spare clothes as he’d put it when he previously conversed with his student, Elizabeth. Only a few stars glimmering in the evening sky were witnesses to this moment of bliss. The swimming pool was on the rooftop of the hotel, and this was a time when most would be having dinner, so it was devoid of people, save for, of course, Aramus. He laid back in the water, letting his body float along as the sky filled his vision. Already feeling the tension ebb out of his body, the teacher sighed in relief as he treaded water. It really had been too long.

“My, seems rather comfortable there,” a familiar voice spoke, shaking Aramus out of his reverie. He could hear footsteps coming closer and closer, their pitter-patter signifying that the person wasn’t wearing any shoes. When he looked up, there she was – Elizabeth, showing most of her white skin, boldly – wearing a swimsuit. “How disappointing, you went with those spare clothes after all,” she commented, expressing her disappointment, but beamed a smile at her teacher all the same.

He would have shrugged in the water, but that would have disrupted the feeling of bliss Aramus was currently feeling. Instead, he settled for looking up at Elizabeth in her black swimsuit with a smile. “And you, favorite student, never disappoint.”

“I am glad to know.” She giggled – apparently pleased – and came down into the pool, and allowed herself to be engulfed by the cooling, and refreshing water. Her golden locks of hair now mostly adrift; she stuck to the corner, watching Aramus in his moment of peaceful relaxation. Somehow she felt relaxed seeing him in bliss like that. She soon heaved a heavy sigh, as if letting go of various forms of tension from her mind and body.

“Hey teacher, do you think this is the last time we’ll be able to relax like this?”

“Not if I can help it,” Aramus replied in a tired voice, letting himself sink slightly deeper into the water. “Time Warrior or not, I’m going to make sure that as many of us come back as possible. Even if I’m not treated as such, I’m still a teacher and you are all my beloved students.”

“As reliable as ever,” she replied. Elizabeth looked up to the stars before speaking again. “Even after this, many events are coming up. To think the Queen would invite me to the Queen’s Meeting.” To her, it was as if the world had abruptly shed its dusts and cobwebs away to move on with more steps than one, and in a very short time, at that.

“So you’ll be there as well then? It’s a good experience for one so young.” Mildly impressed, Aramus moved such that he would drift towards Elizabeth. “You will get to see all your efforts teaching me proper etiquette come to fruition.”

“I cannot wait to see that,” Elizabeth chuckled, trying to subdue it with a hand. “Well, perhaps the Queen is being thoughtful as mother claims. She likes to invite the heirs of the bigger lineages so that they may garner experience and knowledge from such events.”

“That and mingle with the other nobles. That’s where my reputation comes into play and also why I avoid these events.” Aramus chuckled alongside her, ending it with a sigh. Oh, how he hated those events.

“It isn’t so bad. All you are required to do is to find and know the right people,” Elizabeth stated, trying to sound positive about said events. “I happen to find most parties a little dull, however. It feels like most people are trying to only court me for what my family is, and not out of interest towards me myself.” She sighed – again – too.

“Then you are already better off than I am. Need I remind you of who I am?” Though he wasn’t concerned about himself, Aramus was worried that his student would garner a negative image if they were seen together, especially during such a high profile event. “It was always easier for me to be busy during that time period.”

“Inversely,” she begun, a sly smile forming on her face, “if you are with me, fewer gentleman would be approaching me. It is almost as if killing two birds with one stone.” She giggled again, but much more mischievously now.

“No, no. Being seen with me is taboo and I won’t let that come to pass. I don’t know how to put it but… it’s best if you weren’t seen with me.” This, Aramus did admit somewhat sadly.

“I see. That is… a shame,” Elizabeth replied, making a forced smile. Stubborn… she thought, and didn’t dare voice it as it would be rude. “Albeit, I hardly care about society’s opinion.” It was a personal notion. Unfortunately, she had to care otherwise for her family. It was a conflicting feeling.

“I don’t, and it seems the Queen doesn’t either. Even as a Magister, I am unable to shake the stigma. Unless you have plans to become one as well, then I suppose it’s my duty to help you towards it.” There were a few more reasons that Aramus could think of but he didn’t want Elizabeth to become his collateral, especially since she definitely had a bright future. One outcast was enough.

“Mn,” she nodded silently, smiling tenderly. “I look forward to the help, Magic Magister-sama,” she said, finding Aramus awkwardly floating her way. She couldn’t help but catch the head, and rub the wet hair; patting him. “You should use shampoo more often.”

“I do use it! It’s just not the kind that you people use.” He looked up and enjoyed the affection, something sorely lacking in his life. It was somewhat disconcerting that he didn’t mind even though she was his student. “I was always envious, you know. To be like one of you, one of the privileged.”

“Oh? Envious of the privileged?” Elizabeth responded with a question, or rather, uncertainty. “I think you have gained some of it already. Just that some are jealous, and some haven’t accepted it, yet.”

Aramus laughed uneasily, looking up at the stars past Elizabeth. He remained that way for a time, just thinking. “It’s not just that. The simple things in life that everyone takes for granted.” Perhaps the upcoming encounter with the Time Warrior was making him run his mouth a little more than usual, but Aramus felt like talking today.

“You have a home,” he said finally, a pained expression on his face.

“A home, but with it a countless burden of responsibilities,” Elizabeth said, still smiling, as she looked somewhere far away. “It’s not just fun and games being rich. There are… so many things to consider. Looking good, manners, and societal views aside, we – the nobles born into privileged houses – have a duty to follow in the footsteps of our successful parents, towering over us with their achievements. I feel so incomparable to my mother, and I am one day expected to surpass her. A jest hardly humourous,” she said, letting out her inner worries and thoughts.

“I guess everyone has their fair share. If you can’t do it alone, don’t force yourself,” Aramus offered, knowing what it was like to go at things by himself all too well.

“But I have to,” Elizabeth said, sternly, as if reminding herself. “That is my responsibility. That is what I am meant to do. As a noble, I mustn’t run away from my destiny.”

“And what of Elizabeth the teenager? What does she think?” Aramus asked, tilting his head in the water.

“For now, I want things to remain the way they are. I hardly know myself what I want to do about it; responsibilities and whatnot. I want to be careless like my mother, but I am simply unable to bring about my desires, sometimes.” Her smile turned wry, and she proceeded to chuckle again. Her mother was an exemplary figure when it came to carelessness. “I guess that part of my nature came from my father.”

“Take your victories where you can, eh. Not a bad mindset, if I do say so myself.”Aramus smiled smugly. They were more alike than he had thought. “It might not be my place, but don’t worry so much. You still have a long way to go and circumstances can change. Imagine my surprise when I was selected for the Magister role. It upset a whole lot of people that someone with no lineage or title was chosen. A mere street rat.”

“Ehehe, there’s always some people suffering from such occasions. We always hear stories like that, even among nobles,” Elizabeth replied, but she was somewhat glad that the Queen chose a †˜mere street rat’. Otherwise they’d not have met, after all. It showed how impartial the Queen was in the selection, too. “Who knows, perhaps you have a lineage after all, a long-extinguished, powerful bloodline. I mean, there are theories among scholars that every person with the gift of magic has a blood connection to a family of mage, somewhere.” She especially believed it considering Aramus’ strange hair color.

“Perhaps. Nonetheless, it is not very enjoyable to be the subject of such stories.” Aramus scoffed, taking solace in the water surrounding his body. “And even if there was a bloodline, I would have no way to check myself. I never knew my parents.”

“Ah…” She looked down, only to find Aramus’ face. “I-I… I’m sorry.” Unsure of what to say, the apology found its way past her lips. “I somewhat know the feeling of being the subject of stories, too. Albeit not the kind you experience.” A melancholic expression Aramus never knew was worn by her.

“It is not something you should be sorry for.” Aramus frowned, pensive as he reached a hand up to touch her cheek. “You have nothing to be afraid of, the Elizabeth I know has always exceeded my expectations. Let them talk because that’s all they can do.” He brushed a wet lock of her golden hair to the side, getting a better look at Elizabeth. “It’s never good to bottle up your feelings either.”

“Oh my, it turns out that you’re placating me now, instead.” Elizabeth chuckled, regaining back some of her bright complexion. She wondered exactly how long Aramus had known her. Not too long, likely, but perhaps his attention was gained long ago due to her grades. “Even though it should’ve been me taking care of this log who is looked down on by society.” Blood rose up to her cheeks uncontrollably, but Aramus could hardly make it out in the darkness. Elizabeth was sure to keep her voice from shaking due to the embarrassment; her tone unchanging as her previous speech. He could only see her expressions sparsely from the lights coming from behind, from which they entered the pool site.

“I thought that was my job to begin with?” Aramus said, laughing alongside her. “Society can look down upon me all they want, a log doesn’t care in the first place. So long as I have a place to call home and people close to my heart, that’s all that matters.”

“Well, you already have it, don’t you think?”

“Maybe, maybe not. It’s difficult to say when even your own students look down on you, hah.” Ah, the feeling of Elizabeth’s hand on his head was extremely comfortable, soft as it was. He avoided the question of home, that was a bit more difficult to explain.

“Well, at least you have a hometown then.” She gave her shoulders a jerk as she said so. “I am sure that my classmates will turn around after they see your skills in action. Well… hopefully.” She doubted those words as soon as they departed from her lips.

“Those that survive, maybe. I’m not even sure that you can call a place where you fight for survival on a daily basis a hometown. If there was one place, it’d be the orphanage I was sent to.” Aramus thought back to the times he had spent there, infinitely better than whatever was happening now and before then, barring Elizabeth of course. A tender smile was all Elizabeth needed to see to know how much it meant to him. “That was home.”

“Then, that is still your hometown, despite the hardships; you grew up there and learned the cruelties of the world. One could even claim that our motherland had raised you,” she said, the last part spoken in a matter of factly way. “Hm, but I didn’t know that you were raised in an orphanage, teacher. What was it like?”

Again, Aramus was exasperated. All he remembered about his time in the slums were dirty fingernails, going hungry and fighting with others for scraps of anything… edible. He definitely didn’t want to consider that his hometown. “The orphanage was the only place that I felt at peace. Happy, even.”

“Unfortunately, hometowns aren’t necessarily good places,” Elizabeth begun, “but I like London. You may call me a fool, yet despite all the smoke and soot in the air, it is a rather bizarre place if you look at it that way, but I somehow learned to like it.

“I want to visit the Crystal Palace when I go back for the Queen’s Meeting.” She then looked towards the stars once again. “So, tell me more about that orphanage. What kind of people were there?”

“Kindred spirits. There were never any pretenses and I treated them like family. They helped become the Magister I am today, to prove that even an orphan can do it, if they tried. Of course, as an orphanage, it always came with rough patches when new children came in. I was a bit old when I arrived so I guess I felt like an older brother, like now.” He said all this wistfully, the air seemingly becoming warmer as Aramus let go of a breath he didn’t realize he had been holding. “And I miss it.”

“Sounds like a nice place,” Elizabeth commented. It was good to know that Aramus at least had a place that he could proudly call his home. “Perhaps we should give it a visit when we’re back in London,” she suggested.

“What, my †˜hometown’ or the orphanage?” Aramus quipped, feigning curiosity as he looked up at her. “We can do both if there’s time.”

“London is what I consider our hometown, regardless of downtowns. However, if you are so keen to show me the filth you have lived through; I do not mind,” she said sounding confident and mighty, as if having no problem trudging through the dirty places. “But yes, I’d love to visit the orphanage.”

“I suppose it is high time I visited the orphanage. It’s been too long since I went back.” Aramus thought back to his “siblings” in the orphanage and how they would have grown in the time he had been away. He also had second thoughts about bringing Elizabeth through the slums, but if she was so keen on going then a short walk couldn’t hurt.

“In return, perhaps you may visit my home too,” Elizabeth suggested, giggling happily at the sound of it. “A single day where you’re treated as a privileged man wouldn’t hurt, yes?”

Aramus cringed a little in the water, imaging himself as a noble. “Do you think your parents would approve?” he asked. For some reason, her parents opinions seemed to matter more than normal. Especially the Duchess. It probably was due to the fact she was also a Magic Magister.

“Hm… well, I doubt she’d mind. You are a Magic Magister, teacher. Be more proud now,” Elizabeth replied, trying to sound positive. “To be honest, I am not sure what my mother’s opinion of you is, but these days, she likes people based on their combat capabilities. In fact, she used to tell me all kinds of stories about father’s fights and glorious achievements when I was young. Odd bedtime stories, I know, but that’s just how she is.”

“I think your parents and I will get along just fine then, plenty of those where I came from, even before I was a Magister. That’s what my life is, battle. They’re just held in different arenas, so to speak.” He chuckled uneasily but there were times when Aramus felt that way, especially at teaching since it was a fight he couldn’t seem to win.

Elizabeth nodded. “I’d think so. If you have stories to tell about battles; my mother will perk up her ears for them any day.”

“By the way, I’ve been wondering, why do you have hair with such colour, teacher?” Elizabeth inquired. “It is an effect of a spell?”

“This?” Picking at a lock of his own bleached hair, Aramus looked at Elizabeth with a puzzled expression. “What are you talking about? It’s natural. I wouldn’t dye my hair.”

“Yes, but I haven’t heard of a single Londoner with such an unusually grey colour,” Elizabeth said, puzzled as well. “It is all the more mysterious if it is natural.”

“Must have been my time spent in the slums. Maybe someone dropped me in some chemical solution, who knows? All I remember is growing up with this †˜unusual’ colour,’” Aramus said, shrugging it off. “Do you dislike it? I bet you’re thinking it makes me look old,” he continued, smirking.

“It does make you seem old.” Elizabeth laughed. “Well, okay, maybe that was a little mean of me to put it like that. I find it unique, however.”

Aramus deflated a little at that. If she, the paragon of a student, thought he was old, then what of the rest of his class? “No, it’s ok. Just leave little old me, I’ll be fine.” He playfully waved her off, splashing some water at Elizabeth.

“Ack. It was just a joke!” Elizabeth hissed, having water splashed on her face. “It’s almost as if you just want me to pamper you, or something,” she said, splashing back some water at Aramus.

“And what if I do, just for this moment?” Aramus laughed, giving her the eye alongside another wave of water. Her futile efforts would not stop him!

Elizabeth retaliated in kind. “Then you’re just being a big baby!” So what if he was a Magic Magister? She wouldn’t give up this water fight so easily.

“So I’m a baby? Old, young, make up your mind young lady.” This time, Aramus used both hands to chuck water at her. He was this close to using Aquam on her, if only for fun. “I couldn’t care less about my age but I’m too young to die now.”

Elizabeth meant to splash back at him, but she was hit with more water, distracted by the conversation. “Old in appearance and young in mind,” she said, showing a tongue. “Like those old men who regret not enjoying their youthful days.”

Laughing heartily at her expense, Aramus stuck out at his tongue right back at her. “Hey, if you had spent a childhood like mine, you’d relish the times that you can actually do things without fear of dying.”

“That’s… not true,” Elizabeth said, looking down, her hands not busy splashing water anymore.

“Well, aren’t you guys having fun here?” A voice distinctive from the two’s spoke, walking in with a bold deep blue swimsuit of her own.

“Oh! Mother, you’re sober now?” Elizabeth asked, turning back to face her mother, her melancholic expression now gone.

“I am always sober, daughter. Pray tell what you speak of?” she answered with a question instead, getting into the pool herself momentarily. The pool was now definitely astir with the three inhabiting upon it. “You’re a good one, Mister Valmark, to be able to get in here with my daughter alone. You little fox,” she remarked.

“Eh, me?” Aramus pointed to himself. “We just wanted a swim to let loose some steam before the fight, that’s all. Duchess, ma’am,” he added as an afterthought.

“Well, great minds think alike. I’m here for the same reason,” the Duchess said, sighing to let the stress get carried away from her. “To be honest, I hate facing Time Warriors,” she said, as if speaking from experience.

“Ah, it’s a depressing topic. I don’t really want to touch too much on it, ma’am. My apologies,” Aramus said, giving her an apologetic look. “I’m too young to die against a Time Warrior, even more so since this will be my first.”

“Well, there are many depressing stories afloat the Magic World due to them, that’s for sure,” the Duchess said, not really finding it strange that Aramus was resisting the topic. “If you think you can’t deal with her; just turn tail and take my daughter away from the battlefield.”

“Mother!” Elizabeth said, not liking the idea. “Even if it is a Time Warrior, to do something so cowardly…”

“All the more reason to do so, if you ask me.”

Aramus nodded in understanding. Even if he was a Magister himself, there were some fights best not fought. “I don’t think it’s cowardly. You get away with information, plan against the next encounter. Time Warriors are infinitely more powerful than we are, and any preparation is and will be necessary. You cannot expect to win against them so easily.” He sighed, dropping back into the pool with a splash. “All I want is to come back alive…”

Elizabeth fell quiet and didn’t reply. She wasn’t sure how to, either, feeling defeated, but it didn’t mean that she agreed with the notion.

The Duchess, on the other hand, nodded. “I feel like you and I will get along,” she said, agreeing with the man. “A tactical retreat is better than a vain, grim death.”

“Indeed.” Aramus looked over to Elizabeth, a tad worried. She was young, full of life and energy. Not to mention trying to outdo her mother. What better way to do that than take out a Time Warrior?

“I’ll be off first then,” Elizabeth said, pulling herself out of the pool. She gave a slight bow with her head towards her mother, and walked away.

“My, my, the younglings are so fragile emotionally,” the Duchess commented.

“Perhaps I should go after her. I can somewhat understand what she’s going through.” Aramus made to leave, rising out of the water. He gave the duchess a quick smile though, shrugging. “I skipped a few steps myself on the road to adulthood.”

“I’d think that at times like these you leave them alone for them to recover,” the Duchess said, but then she too shrugged. “But, feel free. You’re her teacher, after all.”

He looked back at her, promptly deciding that a pot of tea would help his frayed nerves and possibly Elizabeth’s later as well, before flopping back into the pool. “What was it like… fighting against a Time Warrior?” With his body floating aimlessly, Aramus looked to the stars.

“To be honest,” the Duchess begun, looking back to a past event that took place a long time ago, “I loved battling. I always felt that my place was in the battlefields in the Magic World, rather than dealing with the mundanes… until I met her,” the Duchess said, looking up to the stars too.

“I haven’t met anyone more dangerous than her, I’ll give you that,” she started. “To think I’m gonna face that Spirit’s next host now. Time sure passes by fast. I might’ve earned glory from that battle, but I honestly thought that it was not worth the danger. I was happy when I saw her fall, but then I turned around, and found a pile. A pile of my fallen comrades.”

“Each to their own but that you would take down a Time Warrior and live to tell the tale is already amazing enough. Against them, it is our few for the many that might fall if we do not eliminate them.” Aramus turned to look at the Duchess out of the corner of his eye, wondering what she must have gone through. “Which spirit are we facing, if I may? I don’t recall the team informing us and yet… you seem to know.”

“Perhaps, I’d rather have no one fight them, really. The Time Warriors are a bunch of people wanting to stay out of battles themselves,” the Duchess stated informatively, speaking what she knew about them. “I felt bad killing a wife who only wanted to tend to her children. As a mother, I can claim that I’ve had my regrets, but it was my duty, and that was that,” she said, sighing. “I don’t like the prophecy. It leads people astray, but… well, that’s just my opinion.

“Ah, yes,” the Duchess finally responded to Aramus’ question. “Speaking of that, I noticed from how they described her powers to the Queen. They didn’t tell her openly, either,” the Duchess answered. “As I have mentioned before; we’re clearly up against the Sagittarius. It’s who I brought down in the past. They may have kept the information away to hog all the glory after everyone distracts the enemy, and kill her. I assume they’ll strike as soon as I cast the Binding spell. The Queen asked me to †˜respect their wishes’, so I didn’t interrupt their briefing.”

“Was that your order as well, Duchess?” Aramus turned cold as he heard the information, to think that these idiots would withhold it in an operation so vital. “If not, I shall have… a word with them. If they survive this encounter.”

He looked back up to the stars, quelling his anger for now. “It is probably not my place to say this, considering I am in service to the Queen but… why bother? The stars are eternal and the cycle will always continue, no matter what we do. You eliminated Sagittarius but within that same lifetime, another reincarnation has appeared.

“It only leads to more fighting. I do not enjoy it at all. But if… the others, if this allows the younger ones to live in peace then I will gladly do it. The less people that bloody their hands, the better.” Aramus reached up into the sky, clenching his fist till the knuckles turned white.

“Exactly why I follow the Queen,” the Duchess replied, smiling. “Unfortunately, this time she did something unexpected, and invited those students…” she sighed. “It seems like the Queen is always reluctant to have the entire country hunt Time Warriors just for the prophecy, though, and that’s what I like about her. Even the prophecy that misled humanity for centuries can’t sway her so easily.”

“Students have no place in this battle, they should be kept out of such affairs until they are ready, no matter what they say,” Aramus said, slightly riled up. “They aren’t prepared for this… Especially, not your daughter.”

Laughing somewhat bitterly, Aramus closed his eyes as he pondered about things done and yet to be done. “Here we are on a manhunt for one of the most powerful beings in existence and I’m struggling to make ends meet as a civil servant. It’s laughable, isn’t it.”

“I want to ask her when I get back to the capital, to be honest. Even if it is her decision, I feel the need to question it.” The Duchess nodded in agreement. “Isn’t my daughter the best in class, though? Perhaps that is presumptuous of me, however.” She laughed, sounding somewhat embarrassed.

“She is the best in class alongside pretty much everything else. I must say that someone has set the bar pretty high for her.” He laughed, raising his eyebrows in the Duchess’s direction. “She needs to let loose some steam and have the chance to be a normal girl.”

“Is there someone particularly exceptional?” the Duchess asked, oblivious to the truth of the matter. “I suppose that is good for her, but she really should spare some of that amassing steam; while I admit that I put her through a lot of studies when she was a child, I did want her to live her teenage life like any other lady,” she continued, then and voiced her main concern: “Unfortunately, she refuses to do so.”

“There is only one person around her who has managed to best a Time Warrior, is there not? It stands to reason that she would try the same in an attempt to be like you,” Aramus said, looking at the Duchess properly now. “Even at school, her way of life has… somewhat alienated her from her peers. She may be earnest and well-intentioned, but her classmates do not share her outlook.”

The Duchess laughed, weakly – in a way – as if not sure how she should respond to Aramus’ statement. “I see, so it is like that?” the Duchess questioned, almost wanting to confirm what she had just heard. She scratched her cheek nervously, almost at a lost for words. “I cannot tell whether I am proud or sad for her now.” She then took a moment to ponder and collect her thoughts on the matter. “I suppose it only makes sense that she would attempt to best me. Hmm… now what to do about this…” She placed a finger under her chin and thought to herself.

“I’ve been trying to take her mind off it by giving her things to do and it seems to be helping somewhat.” Elizabeth’s teacher shrugged, he seemed to be doing an awful lot of that lately. “But I believe this is best addressed sooner than later. I had meant to do that earlier as soon as she left the pool.”

Aramus smiled, thinking fondly of the times he had spent with Elizabeth. “Be proud of your daughter, Duchess. She has taught me a great many things. I cannot pay her back in any way but if I can help it, she will come back alive from this encounter. Perhaps she might see our view of things if I die trying.”

“Huhu, I am already proud, but I think I’ll have her chasing me after all,” the Duchess answered, giving a proud laugh. She seemed to have reached a decision regarding the matter already. “She needs more strength. The sooner the better… just not from a Time Warrior. Well, you sure have your hands full, treating her kindly as a teacher, so I suppose she felt the need to pay you back. She thinks too much about them… debts and whatnot.”

“You’re like a lioness, throwing her cubs off to strengthen them. Personal experience on my end says that hardship does improve character, especially regarding the important things in life, so I can’t disagree.” Aramus shook his head, resisting the urge to shrug at the Duchess’s decision. “It’s the least I can do for her as a teacher. I’ve been looking for ways to teach her practical lessons as well, not just theories in class. I’m not exactly cut out for that though, my skills are best suited for… neutralizing threats. Yes...” Rubbing the back of his head sheepishly, Aramus chuckled.

“Well,” the Duchess begun, carefully choosing her words. “I know what you mean, a Magic Magister solely chosen out of pure skills rather than knowledge is often awkward as a teacher. It is the only reason why I am not teaching in the Royal Academy,” she stated, chuckling with Aramus. “She will probably enjoy combat lessons. I know she did as a kid when I taught her sword fighting.”

“I’m sure you know my reputation amongst the fraternity. It is not †˜well met’ by any kind of standards, I’ll give you that.” Aramus got out of the water, climbing onto the poolside. “Your daughter always seems like she’s trying to prove herself, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I didn’t have the chance to give her combat lessons but after this trial by fire, I will ensure she will not leave unprepared. Would you care to join me for a cup of tea afterwards, Duchess? This talk is best suited with a hot beverage in hand.”

“Of course,” the Duchess answered, pulling herself out of the pool momentarily. “It is awkward to have such a discussion in a pool, anyway.

“Well, many of us nobles want glory for various purposes, so I am not surprised. I was never particularly conscious of it, but I wouldn’t have met my husband if not for it.” While she wasn’t sure why or how Aramus wasn’t met by standards, she didn’t question it. She’d learn the matter soon, most likely.

(BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7okDDVJBZ8)

“So, what do you plan to do?” a young lady asked. The slim figure of the woman stood to the side, Kazimir spotted her from the corner of his eye. She wore a very simple attire. A white top – with a blue scarf cradling her neck – and black-and-white checkered skirt. A pair of black stockings covered her slender legs and black boots equipped her feet. Her face was expressionless and she stared him down with her violet pupils.

“The administrator of Soviets plans to take leave for England in a week. That may be your perfect time to strike,” she advised. It seemed that she was an observer of his previous conversation. Who knew when she slipped into his office?

“I suppose,” Kazimir murmured, pondering to himself.

She then took out a note from her pocket, and read it out. “It seems that he intends to partake in the Queen’s Meeting next month. The event where the rules of the Magic World are revised and rarely changed. There may be much to be learned there… ” she said, her voice trailing away.

“Geh.” Kazimir choked, his expression turning sour at the thought. “So that’s what it is. . .” He remarked in a hoarse voice. Formal events like these weren’t his favourite, the only thing that made it tolerable for him was fooling around with Catherine in his old days. Rather, bringing those memories back, he was assured he would wreck the place if he went.

“. . . I’ll leave that matter to you.”

“Very well. I shall be away to England, then. I must say, I am rather curious of the landmarks there,” she stated, drifting slightly away from the topic at hand. “A revolutionised steam culture dominates it, yet it is starkly different from here.”

“I have never been there, but from what I know England is a small island country, different to the vast expanses of land we have here. It stands that their development would be different to ours. But still. . . ” Kazimir took into deep thought, “. . . if you find anything of interest, try to bring it back or a picture at least.”

“I have no camera,” said she, almost as if complaining, making a rare frown, “I lack ways to bring back a picture, and I would very much like to take a picture of the clock tower myself.”

“I’ll get someone on that but worse case, acquire one in England. . . If they even have cameras. . . “

“They probably do,” she answered, apparently very sure of her statement, “considering their time and age.”

“In any case,” Kazimir said, dismissing the subject, “You have your assignment, pack what you need for the trip and I’ll get everything sorted for your departure.”

It seemed as though she wished to utter a question, or a statement, or something, as she lingered a moment longer in hesitation, but seemed to have shook the thought aside.

“I shall be on my way. Good luck, Kaz.” She took leave then and there.

“. . . Stay safe.” He muttered to himself in the silence, heaving a heavy sigh as he brushed his hand over his head.

Claudia parked the gurney back into its garage and opened the door to the lodgings for the Duke with her key. The Duke then entered wordlessly, a blank expression she didn’t want to see still there. She wondered if the Duke intended to stay this way and hardly judge her for what wrong she did. She then followed after the Duke, too. It’d be strange to immediately start the topic she was supposed to put away just as soon as she entered the house. It’d make her appear very impatient; so she stayed silent.

However, she couldn’t move. She attempted to figure out what had happened, but she couldn’t see anything, much less move her head. What was going on? A tinge of pain was enough to make her realise what was going on. The Duke grabbed her by the head pressing as if he intended to crush her skull. It was painful. Before a pint of her voice could slip out past her lips; the Duke tossed her to the side, wrecking a table. The force was incredible, and Claudia had no idea that the Duke possessed such strength. If only she still had her armor; it would have cushioned some of the damage.

“Just why do you think I took you out of that damned orphanage?” he said, not quite expecting an answer from Claudia. Perhaps he assumed that Claudia already knew. “The only reason you were allowed to serve under me was so you could use the forbidden spell for the Organization and for my benefit if I’d see fit,” he explained, taking steps to approach the infamous scholar who now laid on the floor, hardly able to move due to the impact. Before Claudia could pull herself up, the Duke pressed her down with his foot.

“So,” he begun, “who do you think you are, using that spell in there of all places, without my permission?”

“I…” Claudia trailed off, realising she had no real answer to get her out of this mess. Claudia – stricken with pain, struggled to stand on her own two feet but failed in that as the Duke's foot impeded her. She only remained silent. To be exact, she only grunted in pain, not entirely sure what to say to sway the Duke's mind.

“Heh. That Director took out the equipments of the knights, I see. Good. You don’t deserve them,” he said, coming into agreement with the Director’s decision. Taking his foot away, he turned his back on Claudia. “The blade shall rest with Mary Shelley. The armory – with the Director. Your honour? Gone. Perhaps you never had any. I am sorely disappointed.” He then began to walk away.

Battered, Claudia stood on her hands and knees, hacking and coughing from the pain. She held her head low as tears hit the floor below her. She grimaced, hearing those words from her dearly beloved Lord so much that it caused her to weep. Her head, her back; they all hurt, aching with pain. Her lungs… she couldn't breathe. It was all too much for her. “I see...you are correct, I had no honour to begin with – I'm just an honourless sow, hugging her master's leg, yes? I'm nobody – just a feeble woman, aren't I? Ha...hahaha….” a pained, low laugh began to build up in Claudia's chest, followed by more tears.

The Duke stopped, not looking back, but he didn’t seemed like the angry Duke she knew for a moment. “Don’t go to that man tonight. Your health is not able for it,” with that, the man left for his room.

Struggling to her feet, weak and exhausted, Claudia held her stomach as she gazed upon the broken aftermath that used to be the table. It was a shame too. Claudia would remember her days serving tea on that table. It was a strange but sentimental memory for her, yes, but as circumstances could tell, she had none but less than pleasant ones. Remembering her position as a maid, she stifled whatever giggles that remained in her throat. Grabbing the nearest broom and dustpan, the girl walked with a slight limp. “I'm just...a feeble woman,” Claudia finally repeated, promptly cleaning the mess.

Svetlana was escorted back home. She was questioned regarding Lily’s whereabouts – upon which she could only look into the streets with dismay – and simply answered them that she lived with her. The men offered to carry Lily into the house, but it was obviously not an option to her, she wouldn’t let her mother see men of Soviet carry a bloodstained Lily into the house. Either way, she’d have to cross the bridge soon.

Lily was taken up by Svetlana as she was dropped off from the vehicle – now back in the city of Moscow – and faced her home. She sighed, and braced herself to deal with her mother. Ideally, she intended to sneak past her, and perhaps hide Lily with a blanket. Svetlana hoped her mother was out shopping. She needed an opportunity to treat Lily’s wounds, after all.

Opening the door, and the closing it as silently, and quickly as possible; she entered the house with Lily barely hanging from her arms. It was hard enough to close the door with a single hand while carrying someone larger and heavier as Lily, but she did it somehow. She tried to move as fast as she could to the bedroom, but Lily’s weight made her look funny instead, as she wobbled across the living room..

“Ah, is that you, Svetlana?” A voice from the kitchen beckoned her with a question. It was unmistakably her mother’s voice, who might’ve noticed Svetlana’s entry into the house from the footsteps. She was indeed making more noises than intended due to her walking strange with a heavy Lily on both her arms.

Svetlana panicked. Hearing her mother’s voice almost made her jump up in a fit of fright. A moment later, she realized that she needed to respond, and quick. “Yes, mama. I am home now! I’ll be heading to the bedroom, I am tired,” she said, trying to get to the bedroom quicker before her mother would see Lily on both her hands.

Her mother walked out of the kitchen to greet her daughter, “Ah, welcome hom-” she said stopping at her words; startled at the sight of her daughter carrying an injured Lily, and almost dropped the spoon she held. “Is that your friend?! What happened to her?!!”

“W-we were attacked by wild animals when we out doing some deliveries to one of the villages near the city,” Svetlana said – lying to her mother – stuttering slightly.

“Don’t tell me… by the werewolves I keep hearing of?” Her mother said, apparently linking the incident to a rumor. “Why are you two doing such unsafe works?!”

“It’s just really difficult to find good job. This one was paying a good amount. We didn’t think we would get attacked, they were just rumors after all.” Svetlana said as she tried using the rumor to her favor.

“There’s no good pay if you lose your life!” Her mother shouted, but then it rang a bell, as if it was a thought she herself didn’t think of. Where was it that she first thought of? A forgotten memory beckoned her, but this wasn’t the time for it, she stopped her mind as she pinched her nose bridge. “Sorry dear, I know that you’re working for us but…” she sighed, and stopped to look down at the poor and injured Lily “Off to the bed she goes.” In the end, both mother and daughter helped Lily get to the bed.

“I’m sorry, mama. I’ll be more careful next time in what I do.” Svetlana said as she undressed Lily to treat her wounds. “Mama, you think you can heat up some hot water?” Svetlana asked as she looked at how bad Lily was injured.

“Yes,” her mother nodded, going off to head up some water. Svetlana looked over Lily’s wounds. She found slash marks from around her shoulders, down to her chest, and then to her stomach. There were also some small hole-like wounds, likely resulted from gunshots. When she touched her, she squealed unconsciously. She was awfully cold, but was still alive.

“Idiot, you should’ve come with me instead.” Svetlana said in a low voice as she tried cleaning Lily’s wounds.

“Daddy…” Lily faintly called out after minutes. A tear crossing by her ear. She continued to wail silently, all the while her face frowned to no end, apparently the pain was very stinging.

Hearing Lily say †˜daddy’ caught Svetlana’s attention, but looking at Lily’s face made it apparent that Lily was liking not seeing a good dream. However, Svetlana still had a task to do rather than indulge in idle thinking regarding Lily’s dreams.

Svetlana fetched a bottle from one of her shelves on the other side of the room. Shelves containing more of her magical tools that her mother had no knowledge of. A drop from said bottle caused the sealed magic in the liquid to activate, and it danced over her palm. She swiftly manipulated it by applying some of her mana on it, and had them seeped into her gunshot wounds, soon extracting the embedded bullets from the wailing Lily.

“Please… don’t… abandon me…” the words came out from her despite the painful feelings her body may have experienced, as if her dream had turned into a nightmare the moment she began her treatment on Lily. It seemed that her nightmares continued even now.

“Lily…” Svetlana thoughtlessly spoke. She did all she could for her comrade, even as far as applying some expensive magical medicines on Lily. She could only wait for Lily to recover in time now, and eventually wake up.

(BGM: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7okDDVJBZ8)

Kazimir opened his eyes. The table laid there, along with few slips of papers and a pen before him. There were light coming in from the window, lights originating from the streets behind him. Indeed, he was back to the office. The same old dirty office. There weren’t many noises today. It was as if the environment was reflecting the failure of their recent operation. Perhaps the morale of his men were low today. The machines didn’t roar as loudly as they usually did for his front business, or so it felt that way.

An illusion – just like the last time – formed before him. A man whose very being was painted blue appeared. It was likely a spiritual apparition, or conjured with magic somehow, as his figure was transparent. Kazimir wasn’t so familiar with magic, but that was the assumption he immediately formed every time he’d see it. His client wore an expensive-looking coat that shined magnificently despite being a see-through illusion.

“What went wrong? Your cargo did not show up as planned,” the man inquired, he didn’t seemed to be particularly sad nor amused.

Kazimir twitched his brow before sighing, “We had troublesome people intercept us on the way.” He answered, leaning back on his chair. “A pair of Riders and a marksman who so happened to be a Time Warrior as well.” A displeased expression was apparent on his face.

“Oh,” the man seemed disappointed at first, but was now a little surprised, “I daresay she is finally trying to take out a big fish that is you? Pardon me for asking, but does she have heterochromia?”

He nodded in confirmation, “Indeed and she was covered in all sorts of mechanical bits, almost like something out of a sci-fi novel.” He responded, cupping his chin in thought. “I’m guessing you know who I faced?”

“Judgement Sniper,” the man replied, smiling, “It is favorable to us if she targets you, if you ask me. You may profit off of it,” he elaborated, “she is an android, likely manufactured by Steel Union’s leader, Steel Princess.”

“Tch.” Kazimir didn’t like this already, anything to do with his powers was always a bad sign. Still, the man had a point, if this android has laid her sights on him, he might as well make the most of the situation. Taking another sigh, he put his hand to his temple, “This probably won’t end well but if the S.U. is forcing my hand then I’ve got no choice.” He declared before looking back to the man. “So? Is that all you came to ask about?”

“Well, now that I know about this, I’d very much love to have you take her down,” answered the man, “We will – of course, as usual – pay handsomely for it. What do you think?”


“Hmph, you can have her,” Kaz responded, "but I'm not going to actively chase someone who'll come to me eventually." He glared down at a stack of papers that was added on his desk earlier, “I’m far too busy.”

“Then how about your usual tasks with the Soviets? We’d actually like you to investigate if they hold ties with the British Indian West Company,” the man begun, “As they say, measure the wits and strength of the enemy before engaging them, yes? We’d very much need to know if that is the case, as that company can be rather dangerous.”

“Oh? That so.” Kazimir said with intrigue, the prospect had his interest to say the least. “Very well then, what leads do you have?” He asked, leaning forward on his table.

“There have been particular transport vehicles sighted leading up to the Soviet base. These Organizations transporting items looks innocent on the outside, but tracing them leads us to almost nothing. Which is rather strange,” the man explained, “not even a mundane company.”

“Since the Soviets are the sole rulers and the state of the country is so desolate, perhaps they don’t care enough to whip up a proper cover, but it is clear that something is amiss.”

“We’ve also caught wind that a rather famous Scholar from the Magic World is conducting experiments in the base somewhere underground. However, it is but a rumour, and needs confirmation. If it is true, however, I fear that the Soviets are constructing monsters beyond human recognition.”

Kazimir only hummed to himself as he contemplated, “It’s no different to what we do here, except they seem to have the luxury of being lazy.” Kazimir commented, sighing to himself as he did. “In any case, these convoys must have a destination, it’s only a matter of tracing it.”

“So we track these vehicles, find out what they’re doing for the Soviets and if they really are doing what you assume?” Kazimir asked the man, expecting an answer he’d like.

“Yes. What we really want to find out is, however, exactly what they are transporting to Soviets. If you’re able to confirm the scholar, we will pay double the money.”

“Heh, fine by me.” Kazimir chuckled, it seemed like a simple enough job though he half expected there to be some sort of complication later on. "What have you got on the scholar?"

“Well, I cannot show anything this way, but we’ll send you a photo in due time.”

“Hmph, very well.” Kazimir hummed, swinging back on his chair. “If that’s all, then I’ll be getting to work now. Send whatever else may be relevant as well.”

“Of course, in due time.”

(BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuedVOp2Feo)

Weiss entered the office room of the Steel Princess, closing the door behind her with a creaking noise. The office was the only clean room in all of the factory. The other rooms would often become dusty relatively fast, the cleaning bots could do only so much. The Steel Princess seemed as expressionless as ever, as though the laughter she heard earlier seemingly an imagination.

“How do you feel now?” she asked to the android that now approached her and knelt before her desk.

“Nothing abnormal at the moment. I did some laps to test it out for a few minutes.” She answered.

“I see,” Steel Princess answered, as if having expected it. “Then… on to your next mission. Are you ready for it? Or shall I perhaps give you some time off?” She asked. Was she in a good mood to offer something such as this? Weiss could only wonder.

“Yes ma’am, I’m ready for the next mission.” Weiss realised that she didn’t have anything to do even when she got the time off.

“Very well,” Steel Princess said, crossing her fingers before her lips. What happened to working as a nurse? But the employed asked nothing of the sort, and only remembered the detail that she did had a profession in the society, a valuable one at that.

“I’d like you to participate in the Queen’s Meeting in my stead,” she started, taking out an envelope. It beared the seal of England’s Royalty, unmistakably. “My proxy will be there to give further instructions when you’ll arrive there, but the most you have to do is act appropriately as my representative.”

“Alright,” Weiss nodded and asked, “Do I need to bring or wear anything specific, ma’am?”

“It is an event distinguishable from most. Every recognized Organization are invited by the Queen. You should dress well lest we be shamed for being absolutely oblivious to the gravity of such occasions,” the employer answered, there might’ve been a slight frown, but Weiss felt that she was imagining it. After all, Steel Princess hardly possessed human qualities as far as she knew.

“Any more inquiries?”

“So, I need to go to England and attend this event, yes? May I ask what kind of event it is, ma’am?”

“Yes, I’ve already made arrangements for you to board the Magical Train,” she said, continuing, “The event is a meeting where the majority of the Organizations are gathered to revise the laws pertaining to the Magic World. New laws may be introduced and debated, old laws may be debated all the same. On that note… your objective is to observe Queen Victoria. Do not attempt to assassinate her; it is impossible for you. However, the proxy may provide you missions based on circumstances; you are to follow her words.”

Okay, looks like I still need to bring my usual suit and weapon. My guess is that there will be a lot of covert op. there, Weiss thought. “What about the proxy? What will she look like and how will she know that I am your substitute, ma’am?”

“Mn…” the Steel Princess pondered how to answer Weiss’ inquiry, “she will come to you and speak your name. While others know you, they only one that know you by your other name, and they wouldn’t know your face. This person knows your real name.”

“Are you sure giving her my real name is safe, ma’am?”

“You will know when you see her. I can guarantee that she isn’t a threat. However, you must protect her.”

“Alright, I might need a map too since It’s been too long since I need to return to England.”

“They are not available in Russia,” the Steel Princess informed, shaking her head. “You will have to gain one in England.”

“Alright ma’am.” She nodded and went silent, waiting for her next instruction.

“I believe that is all?” she asked, the silence gave away that Weiss had no more to ask, so she slipped a parcel towards her. Weiss silently took the package to find the boarding pass to the Magical Train. The train that was said to run across the magical portals and able to lead out of the country covered in mysterious clouds. This was her ticket to London. “You are dismissed.”

Weiss gave a bow before she took leave from the office.

(BGM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuedVOp2Feo)

A hand was dipped into her stomach. Just like that, it was as if her skin was made of cheese. The claws of the Steel Princess were so sharp that they pierced her tender artificial skin with ease, accompanied with a grotesque flesh noise. The iron-sharp claws were pulled out; revealing a broken circuit that it held. Another hand dug into her – replacing the broken machine, making her wail in the process.

Weiss found herself laid before her employer. Lights befell her, and her apparent doctor – who was also the person that turned her into an android – the Steel Princess was before her, examining every one of her wounds, and repairing her. She was renowned to be a lady who invented many kinds of androids. However, Weiss knew that she never aimed to make androids, she aimed to create humans with her own two hands, just that it was impossible to make humans. So she’d use steel and engine as †˜substitutes’ for the missing flesh. Since she was an android, her body was a mixture of circuits, engines, blood and flesh.

There were no neutralizer that would work effectively to help Weiss feel less pain for the remnants of her organic parts. Hence, she could only cry from the pain she’d feel from her flesh whenever an operation would take place. At times like these, they’d often have a talk to help keep her mind out of the pain.

“So, I hear you brought back a child with you,” the Steel Princess started, her mechanical voice resounding across the operation theatre, “are you certain of her potential?”

“Yes, I was fortunate enough to be able to take her away without anyone noticing. No one took care of her anyway,” Weiss flinched and closed her eyes to hold the pain for a minute and continued. “She was happy when I said that she will go to a new home when we rode back here. Even though she fell asleep halfway of the journey.”

“Sounds like a gullible child,” the Steel Princess responded, now fixing through some broken parts in Weiss’ arm. “I will make sure to take care of her after you.” Somehow, Weiss could tell that Steel Princess was excited, despite the voice sounding the same as ever.

Weiss chuckled at the princess as she dug through Weiss’ modified arm. “Also ma’am, the target was a Time Warrior. He held the Taurus mark.”

“Yes,” the Steel Princess responded, as if confirming what she had just reported, “that is the reason I had you attempt the assassination.”

“I see.” Weiss blinked and thought, I guess she was testing her modifications to see if it’s able to withstand any type of enemies. She continued, “Will the little girl live alone or living with someone, ma’am?” She asked concernedly.

“I haven’t really decided… likely somewhere in this facility,” the Steel Princess answered, uncaringly. “Why do you ask?”

Weiss shaked her head, “No, nothing.”

“So, what kind of power did the bearer of Taurus possess?”

“He controlled the snow around him, turning it into an gauntlet which can be used to fire ice at his enemies. Plus, he’s slow.“

“Slow, is it?” Steel Princess repeated, as if trying to remember the words she just heard. “That is a good news.”

“Yes, his movements were slow but he hits like a truck.”

“Like a truck?” Steel Princess tilted her head. “Snow aren’t so hard from what I know.”

“Ah, I mean he hits really hard with both his sledgehammer and his Taurus power. So it’s like he compressed the snow to a certain degree that it became really solid,” She explained and smiled at the princess.

“I see,” she replied to the android, who she was done repairing. She placed the equipments meant for repairing away and turned to her. “Repairs are done. I will now visit the girl you brought here.”

Weiss then carefully sat down and stretched her body. “Thank you Ma’am.” She then jumped down the operating table.

The Steel Princess smiled, and that’s all she did. Weiss expected a more proper response, but she received something unexpected in return.

“Visit the office in an hour.”

Weiss nodded, and took leave of the operation theatre. Moments later, she heard an ominous laughter from her employer as she closed the door shut.

“Ahahahaha!! What a coincidence! Truly! A fateful ploy of God. Hahahaha!!”

I’ll… pretend that I didn’t hear that, Weiss thought, walking away.

My condolences to him.

uw0tm8

I remember my old posts... cringe worthy as fuck.

kek elitism

shush you.

I HAS TASTES

she sucks now

You forgot to add the main reason, which is that she is blonde. o 3o

gay

Ah, that sucks. Was sorta looking forward to it.

What happened to your project to do with animu again?

>still KP
>still monster girls
>still existing